Stretch marks in teens are quite common, if not more, than in adults. The transformation in the adolescent body after puberty can result in stretch marks on their thighs, shoulders, stomach, chest and other regions. These lines on the skin develop due to rapid growth and development, hormonal changes or weight fluctuations. Though stretch marks are harmless, many teens seek remedies to prevent or fade their appearance.
Stretch marks remedies

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Read this article to learn more about the causes, symptoms and effective measures to ease stretch marks.

Is It Normal For Teens to Develop Stretch Marks?

Yes, it is normal for adolescents to get stretch marks. Several pieces of evidence suggest that about 40% of adolescent boys, specifically those actively involved in sports and 70% of adolescent girls develop stretch marks over the period. There are a lot of hormonal changes that happen when adolescents attain puberty. During this time, they may observe a sudden growth spurt and may see stretch marks on their body parts. Stretch marks are seen in these areas:

  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Breasts
  • Abdomen
  • Lower and upper back (including the shoulders)
  • Upper arms
  • Knees and legs (sometimes)

Causes of Stretch Marks in Teens

Stretch marks medically termed striae, develop when the skin is stretched rapidly due to numerous factors. Some of the main causative factors include:

When they attain puberty, the body growth spurts rapidly, leading to skin stretching, especially in region-like thighs, hips, breasts, and lower back.

Abrupt weight gain or loss can make the skin stretch or shrink, leading to stretch marks.

Cortisol and estrogen are hormones that are known to influence skin elasticity, making it more prone to tearing when stretched.

Genetics or hereditary.

Children engaged in strenuous workouts or muscle-building exercises can develop stretch marks, particularly in boys who are building muscle mass.

 Some medical conditions, like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can contribute to the development of stretch marks.

Stretch marks usually develop in different stages:

The early stage (Striae Rubra) is a starting phase when they are seen as red, pink, purple or dark streaks depending on the skin's nature, it may be itchy or mildly raised.

 Mature Stage (Striae Alba) is a stage, where the marks fade into a silvery or white colour and become less visible but can still be felt as slight grooves on the skin.

Also Read: Healthy Diet, Exercise Can Prevent Stretch Marks

Effective Remedies to Prevent and Reduce Stretch Marks

Stretch marks may not be completely preventable, however, certain measures can aid in lessening their occurrence and visibility:

Follow A Wholesome Diet:

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are vital for sustaining healthy skin and overall well-being. Consuming wholesome food and a nutrient-rich diet also helps to maintain weight. These factors can avert unnecessary skin stretching and marks caused by it. In addition, a diet rich in vitamins A, C, E and zinc helps promote skin elasticity and tone.

Good Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids keeps the skin supple and moisturised reducing the chance of stretch marks. Moreover, good hydration supports your organs including the skin, to stay healthy and function well.

Moisturize Regularly

 Along with maintaining hydration from within, your skin needs extra moisturization from outside Massage your skin with body lotions and creams like cocoa butter, shea butter or almond oil can help to keep the skin soft, supple and elastic.

Staying Active

Regularly engaging in moderate-intensity workouts can support sustaining a healthy weight, improving blood circulation and maintaining healthy skin.

Additionally, gradual weight loss can ease the stress on the skin and prevent excessive stretching.

Treatment Options

Topical Treatments:

A rich array of creams and moisturisers that contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E oils can aid in uplifting the skin tone, and texture and remarkably reduce stretch mark visibility.

Natural Remedies

Aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and lemon juice packed with goodness of skin-healing and anti-inflammatory qualities are beneficial to soothe and lighten stretch marks.

Also Read: Aloe Vera: Medicinal Uses, Benefits For Skin And Hair, Supplements And Recipes

Medical Treatments

If the stretch marks are severe, then seek proper guidance from a dermatologist who may suggest procedures like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels to help fade stretch marks.

Conclusion

Stretch marks are a common part of growth and development in teens that develop due to several reasons. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, keeping the skin nourished, and exploring several treatment options, teenagers can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and feel more confident. If stretch marks cause significant concern, consulting a dermatologist can offer better solutions tailored to individual needs.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

 References:

Striae distensae in adolescents: a mini-review

Heba Elsedfy 1,✉

 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7569590/

Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae

S Ud‐Din 1,2, D McGeorge 3, A Bayat 1,2,✉

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5057295/